Sept2012_Life in the vines
…Ocean View Estates celebrates bud burst!
It’s bud burst time at Ocean View Estates, with the first new shoots of the season marking the end of winter dormancy and the start of the new wine season.
It’s bud burst time at Ocean View Estates, with the first new shoots of the season marking the end of winter dormancy and the start of the new wine season.
Guests who joined Kate and Thomas Honnef for their special Winemaker’s Dinner on August 11 had the enviable task of toasting the new growing season in the vineyard, before heading into the winery for a from-the-vat preview of the 2012 vintage.
Winemaker Thomas said bud burst was always exciting, adding that the timing was planned perfectly to make the most of local conditions.
“We have it down to a fine art; we prune early, which gives us an early bud burst and allows us to pick early, with the grapes reaching full flavour before the rain sets in,” he said.
The proof of Thomas’ methods is in the tasting and so far the 2012 Vintage is receiving excellent reviews.
Along with newly-released whites and sparklings, and soon-to-be-released reds, guests who attended the Winemaker’s Dinner also had the rare chance to taste the Estate’s first ever tawny port, which has spent the last nine years aging in oak barrels and is not due for release until its tenth birthday, next year.
“That was the most popular moment in the winery,” Thomas said.
“We have already taken orders for that port; it is very smooth and oaky and with ten years of age on it, it will be a special limited release.”
Kate said it was great to see so many local faces at the Winemaker’s Dinner and she’s hoping for a record turnout when she and Thomas officially welcome the new growing season with their annual Swing into Spring Bud Burst Day on Sunday 7 October.
“By the end of September there will be lots of green in the vineyards and the vines will be flowering, so it’s beautiful time to come out and celebrate spring time with us,” she said.
“Thomas will be leading guided tours of the vineyards and people will be able to taste wines in the vineyards where they were grown.”
The day will include lunch in the restaurant and a concert on the lawn featuring Australia’s most sophisticated swing band, Swing Central, and Estate favourites, the Redsell Brothers.
“Tickets are on sale now, so give us a call to book, and don’t forget to check out our website for my latest recipe – Vietnamese Chicken Curry. It is one we serve each year at our Unwind in the Vines concert – very tasty and very easy to make and it goes perfectly with our Reflections which is a light Rose.” Kate said.
For local residents looking for an affordable night out, the Estate has just released a new Laid-back-locals menu for Thursday and Friday nights, with all items under $20 and free dessert with children’s meals.
The $5 coffee & cake special for locals will also continue throughout September, each Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Details of all Ocean View Estates events, accommodation, menus and wines can be found on www.oceanviewestates.com.au or by phoning 3425 3900.
Winemaker Thomas said bud burst was always exciting, adding that the timing was planned perfectly to make the most of local conditions.
“We have it down to a fine art; we prune early, which gives us an early bud burst and allows us to pick early, with the grapes reaching full flavour before the rain sets in,” he said.
The proof of Thomas’ methods is in the tasting and so far the 2012 Vintage is receiving excellent reviews.
Along with newly-released whites and sparklings, and soon-to-be-released reds, guests who attended the Winemaker’s Dinner also had the rare chance to taste the Estate’s first ever tawny port, which has spent the last nine years aging in oak barrels and is not due for release until its tenth birthday, next year.
“That was the most popular moment in the winery,” Thomas said.
“We have already taken orders for that port; it is very smooth and oaky and with ten years of age on it, it will be a special limited release.”
Kate said it was great to see so many local faces at the Winemaker’s Dinner and she’s hoping for a record turnout when she and Thomas officially welcome the new growing season with their annual Swing into Spring Bud Burst Day on Sunday 7 October.
“By the end of September there will be lots of green in the vineyards and the vines will be flowering, so it’s beautiful time to come out and celebrate spring time with us,” she said.
“Thomas will be leading guided tours of the vineyards and people will be able to taste wines in the vineyards where they were grown.”
The day will include lunch in the restaurant and a concert on the lawn featuring Australia’s most sophisticated swing band, Swing Central, and Estate favourites, the Redsell Brothers.
“Tickets are on sale now, so give us a call to book, and don’t forget to check out our website for my latest recipe – Vietnamese Chicken Curry. It is one we serve each year at our Unwind in the Vines concert – very tasty and very easy to make and it goes perfectly with our Reflections which is a light Rose.” Kate said.
For local residents looking for an affordable night out, the Estate has just released a new Laid-back-locals menu for Thursday and Friday nights, with all items under $20 and free dessert with children’s meals.
The $5 coffee & cake special for locals will also continue throughout September, each Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Details of all Ocean View Estates events, accommodation, menus and wines can be found on www.oceanviewestates.com.au or by phoning 3425 3900.
